A Mighty Change

Library Journal

In this anthology, editor Krentz presents the writings of prominent members of the deaf American community from 1816 to 1864, a time when they were beginning to find a public voice that was both political and creative. In the antebellum period, advocates for the deaf, particularly proponents of deaf education, gained ground. Much of the writing of this period emphasized the educatability of the deaf and the need for this education to help the deaf create social bonds and gain religious salvation. Divided into two parts, this anthology highlights individual writers--particularly those who used their creative talents to support the cause of deaf education--and writings created in relation to specific deaf community events. In both cases, owing to the lack of records, the writings presented are those of white males, which Krentz points out in the hopes of inspiring future research. If future volumes are of as high quality as this, those too will be a welcome addition to the study of deaf literature. Recommended for academic libraries.--Karen E.S. Lempert, "Facing History and Ourselves," Brookline, MA Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.